CSX invited to board high-speed rail train

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said he received assurances during a meeting today with CSX Chief Executive Officer Michael Ward that the freight railroad will work with the state to help upgrade passenger rail service in New York.

“Because they own the rights-of-way, CSX’s participation is fundamental to building a better, faster and more reliable passenger rail systm from Niagara to Albany and beyond,” Schumer, D-NY, said in a news release issued after the meeting in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, who has organized a bipartisan caucus of upstate New York members of Congress, also met with Ward on Wednesday. She said she is seeking a commitment from Ward to negotiate with the state regarding acquisition of the right-of-way and that he will appoint “a high-level employee with the authority to make decisions” on issues related to the high-speed rail project.

Schumer’s office said urged Ward to work actively with the state Department of Transportation, members of the state’s congressional delegation and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to help secure a portion of an $8 billion pot of high-speed rail money included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — commonly known as the federal economic stimulus program.

Cooperation from CSX is necessary because many Amtrak trains run on tracks owned by the freight railroad and because CSX rights-of-way would be used in adding a third track to accommodate a high-speed diesel train dedicated exclusively to passenger service between Niagara Falls and Albany.

Schumer’s office said he also raised two particular shorter-term issues considered crucial to easing congestion and improving punctuality of New York train service: construction of a second track between Albany and Schenectady and upgrades to the Livingston Avenue bridge over the Hudson River, also owned by CSX.